The global shipping industry's energy revolution is transitioning from concept to reality. This week's developments showcase different pathways to green shipping: China's first pure electric maritime vessel enters its maiden voyage countdown, marking the advancement of zero-emission propulsion from inland waterways to ocean-going operations; WinGD introduces ethanol dual-fuel engines, positioning alcohol-based fuels as an alternative to methanol; NextChem partners with Siemens Energy to develop methanol fuel cells targeting luxury yacht and marine power generation markets; while at the infrastructure level, Spanish ports deploy private 5G networks to establish foundations for intelligent operations; shipping giants collaborate on Scope 3 emissions reduction, reflecting coordinated efforts between fuel suppliers and customers. From propulsion innovation to digitalization and emission reduction mechanisms, maritime decarbonization is entering a critical phase of "multi-pathway advancement." Technology validation, cost feasibility, and policy coordination will determine whether these solutions can successfully navigate toward commercialization.

**01 China's First 740 TEU Pure Electric Feeder Vessel Launched - Ningbo Ocean Shipping Expects Two Deliveries in 2026**

China's Jiangxin Shipyard recently launched the first 740 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) pure electric feeder container vessel built for Ningbo Ocean Shipping. This marks the first of two electric feeder vessels ordered by Ningbo Ocean Shipping in May 2024, with delivery expected in early 2026. The series is considered the largest pure electric ocean-going vessels built in China to date.

Designed by Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute, the vessel will be operated by Ningbo Ocean Shipping, a subsidiary of Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group. Unlike previous inland electric container ships launched by COSCO SHIPPING, these feeder vessels will primarily serve coastal and short-haul international routes, marking China's expansion of electric shipping from inland waterways to near-ocean operations.

Key specifications include: 742 TEU capacity, 127.8 meters length, 21.6 meters beam, 10.5 meters depth, and 6.2 meters design draft. The power system features 10 containerized battery units supporting high-voltage shore power charging and rapid battery replacement, with total capacity of approximately 19,000 kilowatt-hours. The propulsion system comprises two 875-kilowatt permanent magnet motors enabling maximum speeds of 11.5 knots. The vessel also incorporates intelligent integrated platforms and engine room systems for autonomous navigation, real-time situational awareness, and collision avoidance control.

This electric feeder vessel's launch demonstrates China's advancement in large-scale electric vessel design and manufacturing while reflecting systematic deployment of "zero-carbon short-haul transportation" within China's port and shipping system. Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group's pioneering pure electric feeder deployment aligns with EU ETS and IMO greenhouse gas reduction trends while establishing foundations for future shore power ecosystems and battery recycling systems.

**02 WinGD to Launch First Ethanol-Fueled Dual-Fuel Marine Engine in 2026**

Swiss marine engine manufacturer WinGD announced plans to introduce its first ethanol-fueled dual-fuel marine engine in 2026, with deliveries beginning in 2027. The engine will be suitable for newbuilding and retrofit applications.

WinGD initiated ethanol fuel research in 2014 with Swiss Federal Office of Energy funding, completing full-scale engine testing in 2018 after over a decade of research. The new engine builds on the company's proven X-DF-M methanol dual-fuel technology platform, with designs approved by classification societies and positive feedback from initial customers.

The ethanol engine maintains WinGD's diesel cycle combustion principles while incorporating improved control systems and fuel injection structures to accommodate ethanol's energy density differences, reducing fuel volume requirements. The design covers WinGD's complete bore diameter product line for various vessel types.

Ethanol is gaining shipping industry attention due to renewable biomass production potential and cost competitiveness in certain markets. WinGD is collaborating with shipowners, ethanol suppliers, and classification societies to evaluate commercial applications, determining whether the engine will be ethanol-dedicated or methanol-compatible with ethanol capability.

**03 Port of Las Palmas Deploys Private 5G Network for Digital Transformation**

Spain's Port of Las Palmas terminal operator Operaciones Portuarias Canarias (OPCSA) announced collaboration with Boldyn Networks and Nokia Oyj to deploy a private 5G network at its container terminal. The network will be based on Nokia Oyj's Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform, with Boldyn responsible for design and operations.

The project aims to support OPCSA's digital transformation by enhancing connectivity, improving operational efficiency, and reducing fiber optic installation costs while advancing port operational intelligence. The private 5G network will provide high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity for terminal logistics and equipment maintenance, including operator tablet terminals for container logistics and maintenance tasks, rubber-tired gantry crane (RTG) digitalization pilots, and real-time remote monitoring of ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.

**04 Hapag-Lloyd and DHL Sign Three-Year Sustainable Shipping Agreement**

German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd and global logistics giant DHL Global Forwarding announced a three-year cooperation agreement focusing on Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions reduction and promoting sustainable marine fuels (SMF) through "Book & Claim" mechanisms.

Under the agreement, DHL will purchase emissions reductions from Hapag-Lloyd's sustainable fuel usage to achieve indirect emissions reduction targets in transportation. Their first collaboration completed in July 2025 achieved 25,000 tons CO₂ equivalent well-to-wake emissions reduction using biofuels from waste and residue materials complying with EU and IMO sustainability standards.

This model allows customers to obtain equivalent emissions reduction credits through Book & Claim accounting without directly using the fuel, addressing current sustainable marine fuel supply shortages and high costs while enabling decarbonization efforts to decouple from fuel usage.

**05 NextChem and Siemens Energy Develop Modular Methanol Fuel Cells**

MAIRE subsidiary NextChem and Siemens Energy signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop modular high-temperature methanol fuel cell systems, initially targeting luxury yacht applications before expanding to broader maritime and industrial markets.

The system uses low-carbon methanol as fuel, achieving net-zero emissions during vessel berthing and sailing phases as a clean power alternative to marine diesel. NextChem will design and supply fuel cell modules while Siemens Energy handles integration and electrical management.

This collaboration represents another breakthrough for methanol fuel in maritime decarbonization. Compared to direct combustion, fuel cells offer higher efficiency and lower emissions potential, particularly suitable for premium or small-to-medium vessel applications. As low-carbon methanol supply chains mature, such modular systems may become important directions for future vessel electrification and alternative fuel applications.